The Best Coffee Houses in Chicago

The Chicago skyline makes a beautiful backdrop, but sometimes a change of scenery is the best cure for a listless day at the office. Here are some of the city’s best coffee shops for working remotely:

Metropolis: Located just off the Granville Red Line stop adjacent to the Loyola University campus, Metropolis, a local favorite, is perfectly situated for remote work on the North Side. The location has a distinct “college town” feel, with a quiet ambiance that provides a comforting level of white noise. The location produces several of its own blends, and emphasizes fair-trade coffee roasted in their headquarters on the north river. Equipped with free Wi-Fi and a selection of pastries and sandwiches from local bakers, Metropolis has you covered for a productive day out of the office.

Ipsento: Offering a namesake latte made with coconut milk, honey and cayenne, Ipsento offers a variety of self-roasted artisan coffee. Situated in Bucktown, Ipsento features a minimalistic atmosphere unlikely to distract you from your tasks, and a variety of creative blends to get you through the day. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying the cardamom latte and bring your laptop or tablet to Ipsento.

The Coffee Studio: Located on North Clark Street, The Coffee Studio offers free Wi-Fi and a cozy atmosphere. The Coffee Studio prides themselves on their selection of organic snacks, and many regulars recommend the sour cream donut. With plenty of available seating, you can be sure that you’ll have a place to work even during the afternoon rush.

Bow Truss: Situated in a variety of locations including Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Logan Square, the Loop and the Near West Side, Bow Truss provides the necessary caffeinated drinks in a sleek environment equipped with wifi. With a rapidly expanding list of locations, including future shops planned in Uptown, River North and Wicker Park, it’s easy to find a unique experience all across town. If you’re looking for a coffee house that’s serious about coffee and design, consider Bow Truss.

Goddess and the Baker: Most coffee houses serve at least some baked goods, but Goddess and the Baker goes beyond the classic muffin or scone. With a thoughtfully curated breakfast and lunch menu and a pastry case overflowing with some of the city’s hottest treats, you’ll have everything you need to set up shop outside the office. Even better, they offer a loyalty program so that you can get more out of your remote work days.

Chicago is home to a wide variety of unique coffee houses across the city; there’s no need to stick to the airport standbys with so many new experiences at your fingertips. For a change of scenery, consider working from one of the city’s unique coffee shops.